Believe it or not, "Songs of Inspiration" didn't suck nearly as much as anticipated. This crop of contestants, which I have little hope of choosing clever songs during a decent theme week, actually surprised somewhat during a week who's theme was the equivalent of dodging steaming cowpies in a crowded pasture. Sure, there were some real groaners - "I Believe I Can Fly" really Aaron? Really? And Big Mike give us something better than Chad Kroeger's "Hero" - didn't you know that a pickle recently racked up more friends than Nickelback?

The good news was that with only seven contestants left in this race, there are fewer chances to really bomb on that stage on any given night. So getting two goosebump-worthy performances in one night seemed like a real treat. Who delivered those? Read on to find out:

Don't Stop

Huey Lewis and the Goofy Grin return as Casey James takes the stage this week for Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop." I wish Casey would put half as much energy into his vocal as he does into playing the guitar. He is obviously a gifted guitar player, but he doesn't let go when he sings like he does when he plays. There's a huge disconnect there. He needs to find more "Jealous Guy" songs or he's not long for this competition. I can't be the only one getting bored with his schtick(regardless of how easy he is on the eyes).

The Boxer

This is THE performance I've been waiting for from Lee. AT LAST he connects with a song and infuses his performance with both personality and emotion. I had goosebumps from the get-go. I think he took this old Simon & Garfunkel number and really gave it new life. It did sound current, the grit in his voice really worked with it and I couldn't help but rewind and watch it not once, but twice more (so far).

Better Days

Well, it didn't sound half bad when he was in the room practicing with Alicia Keys. If only she could have stood next to him on the stage tonight because Tim hit one bum note and his whole performance of the Goo Goo Dolls "Better Days" derailed. There was nothing he could do to get it back on track. I think he knew it, too, because he refused to open his eyes as if it was going to be a bad dream he could just wake up from and start over. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and we all endured that nightmare of a performance. It should be enough to send him home (but probably won't be.)

I Believe I Can Fly

Listen, Aaron is a good singer and a cute kid. Is he going to win the Season 9 crown? No way, but he's certainly got a future in country music. He just needs time and better material to work with. There was nothing "wrong" with his take on R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" but it is one of those songs that was interesting for about two months and then destined to be retired for all eternity. Aaron should have let that sleeping dog lie.

When You Believe

Ok, ok, I said that I wouldn't mind seeing Siobhan tackle a big voice like Celine Dion's, but Mariah AND Whitney? Girl, you crazy! Oh also, this song stinks. Siobhan's performance tonight seemed to illustrate the lack of polish she has. Siobhan warbled through the slow build up as if the anticipation of the impending big notes was too much to wait for. When she's going whole hog, she can be great. The raw talent is clearly there. With some work she could be utterly amazing, but with her recent pattern of erratic performances and poor song choices, she is falling behind the likes of Crystal and Lee.

Hero

Big Mike's soulful version of Chad Kroeger's "Hero" was an improvement on the original, although this (and most of Nickelback's catalog) are so high up on my list of bad music there was nowhere to go but up with it. There were better songs for Big Mike to put his stamp on but this one was on his Top-200-Songs-I-Will-Sing-When-(not if)-I'm-On-American-Idol list so how could he not do it? And how could he not do it well? That seems to be Big Mike's attitude. There is an air of entitlement that he is going to need to be very careful with or run the risk of turning off voters completely.

People Get Ready

Words cannot express how delighted I was to hear someone finally sing this song (after suggesting it for two different theme weeks now). And for that person to be Crystal? Hallelujah. I was thanking the lord right along sider her tonight. Great song choice and great delivery (into some weird hookah mic stand). Unlike Siobhan, Crystal showed us someone with exemplary control over her vocals. She gave us a little bit of everything from sweet bits in her lower register to big power notes and even an emotional outburst at the end. It wasn't as pretty as when Fantasia used to move herself to tears during a performance, but it was hard to not get choked up over nonetheless.

Best Performance of the Night: Crystal Bowersox, Lee Dewyze

Most Likely to Go Home: Tim Urban